The Economic Feasibility of Denuclearizing the Japanese Energy Industry
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Authors
Murray, Monica J.
Issue Date
2014
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
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Abstract
On March 11, 2011 Japan was struck by an earthquake and tsunami that caused unprecedented damage to the northeast coast and triggered a meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. This prompted the Japanese government to shut down all nuclear facilities in the nation, an action that has not been reversed in the past three years. Heavy reliance on nuclear energy prior to the accident combined with the sudden cessation of its production has rapidly altered not only Japan's energy industry but the national economy as well. The author analyzes the economic sustainability of denuclearizing the energy industry, focusing on the affordability, availability, and reliability of the input alternatives. Japan is facing a 'wicked problem' - that is, a problem with its roots in multiple facets of the society. The solution will be one that satisfies as many facets as possible with consideration to the unique implications of Japan's context. The solving of Japan's energy crisis and the question of denuclearization will undoubtedly have societal drawbacks, but such is the nature of clumsy solutions.'
Description
41 p.
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U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.